ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Apr 15 (PIA) – The
Philippine Navy of the BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35) under the command of Lieutenant
Commander Ronnie S. Paba PN apprehended 20 Vietnamese poachers onboard a
fishing vessel at 9:54 a.m. Thursday.
The said fishing vessel was spotted by PS35
at 9.5 Nautical Miles Southwest of Maratinez Point, Balabac, Palawan.
The apprehension was based on the persistent
report of the local residents of Balabac that a suspicious green motor launch
is transiting the vicinity and is believed to be poaching sea turtles. The same
report was confirmed by the Coastwatch Center-West.
Naval Forces West Public Affairs Officer Lt. Noel
Joseph B. Cadigal PN said that reports reached the military stating that the
subjects were proceeding to Hasa-hasa Shoal where the transfer of the poached
sea turtles to other vessels are being conducted. With the information, Naval
Forces West immediately deployed PS35 to conduct maritime patrol in the area
and on the projected route of the subject.
At about 9:54 a.m., PS35 intercepted a
Vietnamese fishing vessel and conducted board and search to verify their
presence. Found onboard are 20 live sea turtles and other apparatus used for
poaching. Search and inventory is still being conducted as of this report.
